Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, stated ahead of his formal reception into the All Progressives Congress today (Monday) that his choice to leave the Peoples Democratic Party was made in the best interests of the state.
Diri, speaking on Sunday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, said someone had to make the move, and he did it on behalf of Bayelsans.
It was the first time he had publicly addressed the matter since his resignation from the PDP on Oct. 15, 2025.
The governor explained that, while some people may not instantly comprehend his decision to join the ruling party, time will reveal that it was motivated by selfless reasons.
Diri praised the convergence of political figures across party lines at the Thanksgiving ceremony, citing it as a sign of togetherness and maturity.
He praised the state’s peace and stability, saying that politics should be used to promote growth rather than conflict.
He said, “Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state, in the best interest of Bayelsa. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all.
“When we came in as a government, we ensured that most uncompleted projects were completed and new ones were initiated. That alone is enough reason to thank God.
“The peace and security we enjoy today are also reasons for gratitude. Politics should be for development, not to destroy your brother. The gathering here is a testimony to the unity in our state.”
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Advisor Funkekeme Solomon, urged Bayelsans to remain united, emphasizing that the state’s prosperity and development were dependent on its people’s unity. He praised Bayelsa for continuing the annual thanksgiving practice, stating that appreciation attracts divine favors.
Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), praised Diri as a unifier while attending the ceremony for the first time.
He said the governor’s move to the APC was appropriate, stressing that the state could no longer afford to remain in opposition while crucial developmental decisions were being made at the national level.
In a similar vein, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, praised Diri’s developmental achievements, characterizing him as a “godsend to Bayelsa,” and begged for divine wisdom to guide him in governing the state.
Bishop Mike Okonkwo, General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, delivered a sermon titled “Reasons Why We Should Thank God,” stating that gratitude is necessary because God never abandons his children.
He guaranteed Bayelsans that as long as they made God their Alpha and Omega, they would be victorious and blessed.
Senator Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central), the Federation’s Head of Service, Dame Didi Walson-Jack, the Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council and former Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (retd.), and the President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, all praised Diri’s leadership and urged the people to remain united.
Dignitaries in attendance included the governor’s wives, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Ama-Diri; Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; Speaker of the House of Representatives Hajia Fatima Tajudeen-Abbas; and Senators Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) and Sunday Katung (Kaduna South).
Others were members of the House of Representatives from Bayelsa—Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma) and Rodney Ambaiowei (Southern Ijaw); Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; Chief Judge of the state, Justice Matilda Ayemieye; the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass and former governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha, widow of Bayelsa’s first civilian governor; former deputy governor, Peremobowei Ebebi; and the 2019 APC governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon.
Also present were the Managing Director of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Chief Ebitimi Amgbare; renowned cleric Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey; as well as traditional rulers, clergy, captains of industry, and senior government officials.
